Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a communication method. A first device acquires first information of at least two candidate devices, the first information being used for indicating new energy-related parameter information of the candidate devices; and the first device determines a second device from the at least two candidate devices on the basis of the first information, the second device being used for transferring the load of the first device. On the basis of the described technical solution, when determining a load transfer policy, a first device can acquire new energy-related parameters of candidate devices, such that a target device that meets network performance and is low-carbon and environmentally friendly can be determined on the basis of the new energy-related parameters, so as to perform load transfer.

Description

A communication method and a communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 2024111008405, filed on August 9, 2024, with the State Intellectual Property Office of China, and the Chinese patent application No. 2024111008405 has the title of “A communication method and a communication apparatus”, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication, and more particularly, to a communication method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] With the rapid development of the information communication industry, the energy consumption challenge of sustainable development is faced. For example, in the aspects of network construction and maintenance, energy saving and carbon reduction of equipment, stations and machine rooms are inevitable problems faced by the communication industry.

[0004] Currently, in the 3GPP SA5 energy saving topic (TS28.310), it is proposed to solve the energy use problem in the communication network from the perspective of energy efficiency measurement and energy saving. However, the traditional energy selection does not involve the consideration of new energy direction, resulting in additional carbon emissions. For example, when the base station performs load transfer, it does not consider whether the base station powered by new energy disperses the load. Thus, it is not conducive to the realization of energy saving and carbon reduction. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method, which can consider the access network equipment powered by new energy to disperse the load when performing load balancing, so as to realize low-carbon energy saving while ensuring network performance.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access network node, or can also be executed by a chip or circuit or processor or chip system configured in the access network node, or can also be executed by a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access network node, and the present application does not make any limitation thereon. Hereinafter, the access network device node is taken as an example, and the access network device node in this aspect corresponds to the first device in the embodiment.

[0007] The method comprises: a first device acquires first information of at least two candidate devices, wherein the first information is used to indicate new energy related parameter information of the candidate devices; and the first device determines a second device from the at least two candidate devices according to the first information, wherein the second device is used to transfer the load of the first device.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the first device can obtain the related parameters of the new energy of the candidate device when determining the load transfer strategy, so as to determine the target device that meets the network performance and low-carbon environmental protection from the candidate device based on the related parameters of the new energy for load transfer. Optionally, the candidate device can be one or more. When the candidate device is one, if the candidate device meets the requirements of network performance and low-carbon environmental protection, the candidate device can be used as the target device to transfer the load of the first device. Wherein, the "multiple" can refer to at least two, that is, two or more than two.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device determines a first strategy, the first strategy being used to indicate that the first device determines the device for transferring the load based on the new energy usage of the at least two candidate devices.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device receives the first strategy from a network management unit and / or an energy management unit.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device obtains second information of the at least two candidate devices, the second information being used to indicate the resource-related parameter information of the candidate device; and the first device determines the second device according to the first information and the second information.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the first device can determine the second device according to the first information when the first device determines the second device according to the second information.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device sends a first request message to the at least two candidate devices, the first request message being used to request the first information and / or the second information from the at least two candidate devices.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device determines priority information, the priority information being used to describe the priority of the resource-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices and the new energy-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices; and the first device determines the second device based on the priority information.

[0015] Based on the technical solution, when the first device determines the second device, the first device can comprehensively consider the resource-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices and the new energy-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices, and in different application scenarios, the communication scene has different requirements for communication performance, so that the second device meeting the current communication requirement can be determined based on the priority of the specific resource-related parameter and the specific new energy-related parameter, thereby maximizing the use of new energy under the premise of meeting the communication requirement.

[0016] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device receives the priority information from the network management unit.

[0017] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first policy includes the priority information.

[0018] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before the first device determines the second device according to the first information and the second information, the first device determines that new energy-related parameter information of the first device does not meet a first threshold condition.

[0019] Based on the technical solution, the first device can determine whether to trigger load transfer based on a threshold condition of new energy use, which is beneficial to maximize the use of new energy.

[0020] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device receives the first threshold condition from the network management unit and / or the energy management unit.

[0021] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first policy includes the first threshold condition.

[0022] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device sends a second request message, and the second request message is used to request verification of whether a network performance condition is met when the load of the first device is transferred to the second device.

[0023] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second request message includes at least one of the following: information of the first device, information of the second device, load transfer amount, to-be-verified parameter information.

[0024] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device obtains new energy-related parameter information of the first device.

[0025] In some implementations of the first aspect, the resource-related parameter information includes at least one of the following: capacity, RRC connection number, active UE number, resource usage information, and predicted data information of the resource.

[0026] In some implementations of the first aspect, the new energy-related parameter information includes at least one of the following: new energy proportion parameter, new energy usage, new energy supply, carbon emission, carbon intensity, carbon efficiency, and new energy grade parameter.

[0027] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by an access network node, or can be performed by a chip or circuit or processor or chip system configured in the access network node, or can be performed by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network node, which is not limited in the present application. In the following, the access network node is taken as an example, and the candidate device in the corresponding embodiments of the access network node corresponds to the candidate device in this aspect. The method of the second aspect is described below with reference to a candidate device as an example.

[0028] The method includes: determining, by the candidate device, first information, the first information being used to indicate new energy-related parameter information of the candidate device; and sending, by the candidate device, the first information to a first device.

[0029] It should be understood that the first information is used by the first device to determine a second device, the second device being used to transfer the load of the first device. The second device is determined from at least two candidate devices. The candidate device in the second aspect is any one of the at least two candidate devices.

[0030] In some implementations of the second aspect, the candidate device receives the first information from a network management unit and / or an energy management unit.

[0031] In some implementations of the second aspect, a first request message is received; and the first information and / or second information is sent to the first device according to the first request message, the second information being used to indicate resource-related parameter information of the candidate device.

[0032] In some implementations of the second aspect, the resource-related parameter information includes at least one of the following: capacity information, RRC connection number, active UE number, resource usage information, and predicted analysis data of the resource.

[0033] In some implementations of the second aspect, the new energy-related parameter information includes at least one of the following: new energy proportion parameter, carbon emission parameter, carbon efficiency, and new energy grade parameter.

[0034] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which is configured to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. Specifically, the apparatus can include units and / or modules configured to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, such as a processing unit and / or a communication unit.

[0035] In an implementation, the apparatus is a communication device, such as a terminal device, or a network device. When the apparatus is a communication device, the communication unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; and the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0036] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, chip system or circuit, or a communication module for a communication device, such as a terminal device, or a network device. When the apparatus is a chip, chip system or circuit for a communication device, the communication unit can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or related circuitry, etc. on the chip, chip system or circuit; and the processing unit can be at least one processor, a processing circuit or a logic circuit, etc.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes a processor, and optionally, a memory. The processor is configured to control a transceiver to transmit and receive signals. The memory is configured to store a computer program. The processor is configured to invoke and run the computer program from the memory, so that the transmitting device executes the method in any possible implementation of any aspect of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0038] Optionally, the processor is one or more processors, and the memory is one or more memories.

[0039] Optionally, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be located separately from the processor.

[0040] Optionally, the network device further includes a transceiver, which can be a transmitter (transmitter) and a receiver (receiver).

[0041] In a fifth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or code. When the computer program or code is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method in any possible implementation of any aspect of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0042] In a sixth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising at least one processor coupled with a memory for storing a computer program, the processor being configured to invoke and run the computer program from the memory, so that a sending device installed with the chip system performs the method in any possible implementation manner of any one of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0043] The chip can comprise an input circuit or interface for sending information or data, and an output circuit or interface for receiving information or data.

[0044] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer program code for performing the method in any possible implementation manner of any one of the first aspect to the second aspect when the computer program code is run by a sending device.

[0045] The beneficial effects of the third aspect to the seventh aspect can refer to the beneficial effects of the first aspect to the second aspect, and will not be described again. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application architecture of a communication system suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an application architecture of a communication system suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an application architecture of a communication system suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication apparatus provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture provided by embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example: a 5th generation (5G) system or a new radio (NR), an evolved packet core (EPC), an evolved packet system (EPS), an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD), and the like. The technical solutions provided in the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as a 6th generation mobile communication system.

[0057] The network device in the embodiments of the present application can be a device or module with corresponding communication function. The network device can be a device for communicating with a terminal device, and the network device can also be referred to as an access network device or a radio access network device, for example, the network device can be a base station. The network device in the embodiments of the present application can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) for accessing a terminal device to a wireless network. The base station can broadly cover various names in the following or be replaced by the following names, such as: node B (NodeB), evolved node B (eNB), next generation node B (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmission point, primary station, secondary station, multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. The base station can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a donor node or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0058] The base station can also refer to a communication module, modem or chip for being arranged in the foregoing device or apparatus. The base station can also be a mobile switching center and a device assuming a base station function in D2D, V2X, M2M communication, a device assuming a base station function in a future communication system, etc. The base station can support networks of the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network device.

[0059] The base station can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or a drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move according to the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, the helicopter or the drone can be configured to act as a device communicating with another base station.

[0060] In some deployments, the network device mentioned by embodiments of the application can be a device including a CU, or a DU, or a device including a CU and a DU, or a control plane CU node (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and a user plane CU node (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and a DU node. For example, the network device can include a gNB-CU-CP, a gNB-CU-UP and a gNB-DU.

[0061] In some deployments, a plurality of RAN nodes cooperate to assist a terminal to implement wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of a base station. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, a DU, a CU-CP, a CU-UP, or a radio unit (RU) (or radio frequency unit), etc. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can be included in the same network element, such as a BBU. The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as an RRU, an AAU or an RRH.

[0062] In some deployments, the CU is a logical node that carries the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and other control functions of the access network device. The CU is connected to network nodes such as core networks through some interfaces, which can be E2 interfaces, etc. Optionally, the CU has part of the functions of the core network. The CU (such as the PDCP layer and higher layers) is connected to the DU (such as the radio link control (RLC) layer and lower layers) through some interfaces, which can be F1 interfaces, etc. In some examples, these interfaces (such as the F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (such as interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). The F1 application protocol (F1AP) is an application protocol of the F1 interface, which defines the signaling procedures of the F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports the control plane (F1 control plane, F1-C), the user plane (F1 user plane, F1-U).

[0063] In some deployments, a CU can be split into a CU-CP and a CU-UP. The CU-CP is a logical node that carries the control plane part of PDCP (PDCP-C) layer and RRC layer, and is used to implement the control plane function of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with a network element in the core network that is used to implement the control plane function. The network element in the core network that is used to implement the control plane function can be an access and mobility function network element. The CU-UP is a logical node that carries the user plane part of PDCP (PDCP-U) layer and SDAP layer, and is used to implement the user plane function of the CU. The CU-UP can interact with a network element in the core network that is used to implement the user plane function. The network element in the core network that is used to implement the user plane function. The above configurations of the CU and the DU are merely examples, and the CU and the DU can have other functions according to needs. For example, the CU or the DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or the CU or the DU can be configured to have partial processing functions of the protocol layers. For example, partial functions of the RLC layer and functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are arranged in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are arranged in the DU. For another example, the functions of the CU or the DU can be divided according to service types or other system requirements. For example, functions that need to meet a relatively short delay requirement in processing time are arranged in the DU, and functions that do not need to meet the delay requirement are arranged in the CU.

[0064] In some deployments, a DU is a logical node that carries an RLC layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, a higher physical (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU is connected to the RU through some interfaces, which can be a front-haul interface. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes part of the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, and other processing functions.

[0065] In some deployments, a RU is a logical node that hosts lower physical layer (Lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, a RU can be a TRP or a RRH or other similar functional entity. In some examples, a Low-PHY includes portions of PHY processing such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transformation (IFFT), digital beamforming and filtering, and other processing functions. A RU communicates with one or more UEs over a wireless link.

[0066] A DU and a RU can or can not be co-located. A DU and a RU exchange control plane information and user plane information over a fronthaul link via a lower-layer split-control, user and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface. The LLS-CUS can include interfaces that provide control plane and user plane, respectively. In some examples, the control plane refers to real-time control between a DU and a RU. A DU and a RU have an interface of a fronthaul link (e.g., a lower layer split management plane (LLS-M) interface) to exchange management information, and the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between a DU and a RU.

[0067] A DU and a RU can cooperate to collectively implement the functionality of a PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functionality that a DU and a RU have can be configured in multiple ways according to design. For example, a DU is configured to implement baseband functionality and a RU is configured to implement mid- RF functionality. As another example, a DU is configured to implement high-layer functionality in a PHY layer and a RU is configured to implement low-layer functionality in the PHY layer or to implement the low-layer functionality and RF functionality. The high-layer functionality in the PHY layer can include a portion of functionality of the PHY layer that is closer to a MAC layer, and the low-layer functionality in the PHY layer can include another portion of functionality of the PHY layer that is closer to a mid-RF side.

[0068] In one possible design, a processing unit in a BBU that implements baseband functionality is referred to as a base band high (BBH) unit, and a processing unit in a RRU / AAU / RRH that implements baseband functionality is referred to as a base band low (BBL) unit.

[0069] The CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, the radio access network can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture, in which the CU can also be referred to as an open CU (O-CU), the DU can also be referred to as an open DU (O-DU), the CU-CP can also be referred to as an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), the CU-UP can also be referred to as an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and the RU can also be referred to as an open RU (O-RU). Any of the CUs (or CU-CPs, CU-UPs), DUs and RUs in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0070] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be a network device, or a device capable of supporting the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system or a chip or a circuit or a communication module (i.e., a communication module performing a communication function), which can be installed in the network device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices. In addition, the device can also be configured with a computer program or instructions for executing the corresponding communication function. In the embodiments of the present application, only the device for implementing the function of the network device is taken as an example of the network device, and the scheme of the embodiments of the present application is not limited.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 1, as an example, FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an application architecture of a communication system. As an example, the architecture can include a radio access network (RAN), a terminal and a core network (CN), an external network, etc. The external network can be a data network (DN), and the RAN refers to the wireless network device provided in the present application, or is referred to as a RAN device or an access network device, etc.

[0072] The terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology, etc.). The terminal device and the terminal device can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology, etc.).

[0073] As an example but not limitation, the embodiments of the present application can be used in high frequency scenarios, such as millimeter wave, terahertz wave scenarios, and can also be used in low frequency sub-6G scenarios, such as 700 / 900MHz, 2.1 / 2.6 / 3.5GHz frequency bands, etc.

[0074] By way of example and not limitation, embodiments of the present application can be used in licensed frequency bands, as well as unlicensed frequency bands.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, as an example, FIG. 2 shows an application architecture diagram of a communication system. As an example, the architecture can include a cross domain management module and a single domain management module, in which the single domain management module includes a RAN domain management system, a NG-RAN node, and a network digital twin (NDT).

[0076] The cross domain management module, also referred to as a network management system (NMS), belongs to a cross domain management system, and is responsible for unified management of multiple single domain management modules or multiple network element management systems.

[0077] Specifically, the cross domain management module is responsible for monitoring, controlling, configuring, analyzing, and maintaining multiple network elements (NEs) and subsystems in the entire network. These network elements can be routers, switches, base stations, servers, or any device that constitutes a network infrastructure. The NMS realizes centralized management of complex network environments across regions and technology stacks through a unified interface and protocol.

[0078] The single domain management module, also referred to as an element management system (EMS), belongs to a single domain management system. For example, the single domain management system can be responsible for management of a 5G RAN or a 5G core network. It can provide centralized monitoring, configuration, fault management, and performance optimization functions for all network elements within a specific network domain.

[0079] The RAN domain management system is a single domain management system for managing a 5G RAN.

[0080] The radio access network node includes a 5G RAN node, such as a gNB. The radio access network node 1 and the radio access network node 2 can communicate through a radio access network or through an Xn interface. The present application does not limit this.

[0081] The network digital twin module is a mirror copy of the actual communication network, and can perform various simulation verification tasks to avoid adverse effects on the live network.

[0082] Specifically, the network digital twin module is a specific application of digital twin technology in the field of communication networks. It builds a virtual network system that interacts with the physical network in real time, simulates and emulates various behaviors and states of the physical network, and realizes efficient analysis, diagnosis, simulation and control of the physical network. The advantage of the network digital twin module is that it can realize comprehensive simulation and verification of the network without affecting the operation of the existing network. This not only reduces the risk and cost of network operation and maintenance, but also improves the efficiency and accuracy of network optimization. At the same time, the digital twin network can also provide strong support for network planning and decision-making, helping the network to realize intelligent and automated operation and management.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, as an example, FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an application architecture of a communication system. As an example, the architecture can include a service management and orchestration module (SMO), inside which a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC) and a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Near-RT RIC) are included, the near-real-time RAN intelligent controller is connected with a CU (O-CU) in the ORAN architecture, and the CU in the ORAN architecture is connected with a DU (O-DU) in the ORAN architecture.

[0084] Among them, SMO is responsible for the management and orchestration of the entire RAN (Radio Access Network) domain, ensuring smooth operation, efficient use and continuous optimization of network services. Specifically, the functions of SMO include but are not limited to the following aspects:

[0085] Service management: Manage various services in the network, including the creation, deployment, monitoring, updating and termination of services throughout their life cycle. It ensures the availability and quality of services, while supporting rapid iteration and upgrade of services.

[0086] Network orchestration: Automatically or manually orchestrate network resources and functions according to business needs and network resource conditions to achieve optimal network performance and service quality. This includes the creation and management of network slices, as well as resource coordination across different network domains (such as RAN, transport network, core network).

[0087] Policy management: Formulate and implement network policies to control the allocation and use of network resources. These policies may involve access control, load balancing, traffic routing, security policies and other aspects, aiming to improve the efficiency and security of the network.

[0088] Automation and Intelligence: By introducing automation and intelligence technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), etc., the efficiency and accuracy of network management are improved. For example, AI is used for fault prediction and automatic repair, or machine learning is used to optimize the allocation of network resources.

[0089] Cross-domain Collaboration: Collaborate with other network management domains (such as transmission network management, core network management, etc.) to ensure the consistency and efficient operation of the entire network.

[0090] Data Analysis and Visualization: Collect and analyze network operation data to provide data support for network optimization and decision-making. At the same time, provide intuitive visualization interfaces to help network administrators quickly understand network status and performance.

[0091] Among them, the non-real-time RAN intelligent controller does not directly participate in real-time signal processing or data transmission processes, but is responsible for network optimization, policy management, data analysis, model management, and other intelligent control tasks in less urgent or background processing scenarios. Therefore, the non-real-time RAN intelligent controller is mainly used to improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of the RAN, and to manage and optimize the network through intelligent means.

[0092] Among them, the near-real-time RAN intelligent controller operates and processes at a speed very close to the requirements of real-time systems, but may be slightly delayed due to system processing delays, data transmission delays or other factors. However, this delay is usually very small, so for most application scenarios, it can still be considered real-time or near-real-time. Therefore, the near-real-time RAN intelligent controller is mainly used for intelligent control of the RAN to support high-performance, high-efficiency and high-reliability mobile communication networks.

[0093] In this application, based on the long-term goal of a carbon-free future, the use of energy in communication networks is addressed from the perspective of energy efficiency measurement and energy saving.

[0094] In order to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application will be briefly described first.

[0095] 1. Green energy

[0096] Also known as clean energy, new energy, renewable energy, etc., refers to energy that does not destroy, harm the environment, or emit pollutants (such as solar power generation, wind power generation, etc.). In this embodiment, "new energy" is described as an example.

[0097] 2. New energy indicators

[0098] The indicators for measuring the new energy use or carbon emission related performance of the power consumption of the communication network equipment due to energy consumption are collectively referred to as indicators, and specific indicators are exemplified as follows.

[0099] New energy use ratio: the proportion of new energy consumption in the overall energy consumption.

[0100] New energy use amount: the consumption of green energy within the start and end time.

[0101] New energy supply amount: the green energy supply amount within the start and end time, which is determined by the illumination condition within the start and end time.

[0102] Carbon emission amount: carbon emission, the carbon emission amount within the start and end time.

[0103] Carbon intensity: carbon intensity, the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emitted per unit activity.

[0104] Carbon efficiency: carbon emission efficiency.

[0105] Currently, it is necessary to consider solving the energy use problem in the communication network from the perspective of energy efficiency measurement and energy saving. However, the traditional energy selection does not involve the consideration of new energy direction, resulting in additional carbon emissions. For example, when the base station performs load transfer, it does not consider whether the base station powered by new energy disperses the load. Therefore, it is not conducive to the realization of energy saving and carbon reduction.

[0106] Therefore, the present application provides a communication method, which can consider the access network equipment powered by new energy to disperse the load when performing load balancing, so as to realize low carbon and energy saving while ensuring network performance.

[0107] It should be noted that in the present application, "indication" can include direct indication and indirect indication. When describing that certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0108] In this application, the information indicated by the indication information is referred to as to-be-indicated information. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information, for example, but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or the index of the to-be-indicated information. The to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, wherein the other information and the to-be-indicated information have an association relationship. The to-be-indicated information can also be only indicated in part, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of a specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, the protocol stipulates), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. In addition, the to-be-indicated information can be sent as a whole, or can be sent separately into multiple sub-information, and the sending period and / or sending opportunity of these sub-information can be the same or different.

[0109] In addition, in this application, the expression " / " is used to represent that the objects before and after the association are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can represent A or B. The expression "and / or" is used to represent that the objects before and after the association can be in an association relationship of and or or; for example, A and / or B can represent the following cases: A exists alone, B exists alone, A and B exist together, wherein A, B can be single or multiple. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions are used to represent any combination of the listed items; for example, at least one of A, B and (or) C can represent the following cases: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist together, B and C exist together, A and C exist together, A, B and C exist together, wherein A, B, C can be single or multiple.

[0110] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided by the present application can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 1, without limitation.

[0111] The scheme of the present application will be described in detail below.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 4, as an example, FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The execution subject of the method 400 can also be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) of an access network device, which is not limited. The steps described below as executed by a single execution subject can also be divided into execution by multiple execution subjects, which can be logically and / or physically separated.

[0113] For example, the first device and the candidate device are access network nodes, for example, the first device and the candidate device can be access network devices. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0114] Exemplarily, the network management unit can be a cross-domain management module or a single-domain management module, for example, the RAN single-domain management system shown in FIG. 2.

[0115] Exemplarily, the energy management unit can be an energy management unit.

[0116] The method 400 shown in FIG. 4 can include the following steps.

[0117] 410, the first device obtains first information of at least two candidate devices. The first information is used to indicate new energy related parameter information of the candidate devices.

[0118] The first device determines to perform load transfer, and the first device can obtain first information of a plurality of candidate devices, and further determines a load transfer strategy based on the first information of the plurality of candidate devices. Exemplarily, the first information is relative to one candidate device, and therefore, the first device obtaining the first information of the at least two candidate devices can be that the first device obtains the first information of each of the at least two candidate devices. The first device obtains new energy related parameter information of each candidate device based on the first information of each of the at least two candidate devices, so as to determine a target device for performing load transfer from the at least two candidate devices.

[0119] The new energy related parameter information can be understood as new energy use information, that is, for a candidate device, the new energy related parameter information can be a state, a parameter or a result of the candidate device when using new energy for power supply, or in other words, index information of the candidate device when using new energy for power supply. The term "new energy related parameter information" in the present application is only an exemplary description, and the term name does not limit the embodiments of the present application.

[0120] Exemplarily, the new energy related parameter information includes at least one of the following:

[0121] The new energy proportion parameter, the new energy use amount, the new energy supply amount, the carbon emission amount, the carbon intensity, the carbon efficiency, and the new energy grade parameter.

[0122] The new energy grade parameter can be a relative grade index. For example, the new energy grade takes values of 1, 2, 3, …, and 1 and 2 are compared, which means that the new energy grade of 2 is higher, that is, the new energy proportion is higher, or the carbon emission is less, or the carbon efficiency is better, and the like.

[0123] In a possible implementation, the first device can obtain the first information from the at least two candidate devices respectively.

[0124] Exemplarily, the first device can send a first request message to each candidate device, and the first request message is used to request the first information from the candidate device.

[0125] For example, the candidate device can obtain the first information from the network management unit or the energy management unit. For example, the candidate device sends a subscription request message to the network management unit, to subscribe to the new energy related parameter information of the candidate device.

[0126] For example, the candidate device can obtain the first information from the network management unit or the energy management unit. For example, the candidate device sends a subscription request message to the network management unit, to subscribe to the new energy related parameter information of the candidate device.

[0127] In another possible implementation, the first device can obtain the first information from the network management unit or the energy management unit.

[0128] Optionally, the first device can also obtain the new energy related parameter information of the first device. It can be understood that the first device can send the new energy related parameter information of the first device to other devices, to enable other devices to determine the load transfer strategy.

[0129] For example, the first device can obtain the new energy related parameter information of the first device from the network management unit or the energy management unit. For example, the first device can send a subscription request message to the network management unit, to subscribe to the new energy related parameter information of the first device.

[0130] In an optional implementation, the first device determines the first strategy, which is used to instruct the first device to determine the device for transferring the load based on the new energy usage of the at least two candidate devices.

[0131] It can be understood that the first strategy instructs the first device to take the new energy usage of the at least two candidate devices as a determining factor when determining the load transfer strategy. In other words, the first device determines the load transfer strategy according to the new energy usage of the at least two candidate devices.

[0132] For example, the first device can receive the first strategy from the network management unit and / or the energy management unit.

[0133] For example, the first device can pre-configure the first strategy.

[0134] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the method for the first device to obtain the first strategy, and the above is only an example, which does not limit the embodiments of the present application.

[0135] In a possible implementation, the first device can obtain the second information of the at least two candidate devices. The second information is used to indicate the resource related parameter information of the candidate device.

[0136] The resource-related parameter information of the candidate device includes two types. One type is resource state-related information of the candidate device, such as capacity information, RRC connection number, active UE number, resource usage information, and the like. The other type is predicted data information of the resource of the candidate device, such as non-predicted resource state information, UE performance feedback, energy cost level, and the like.

[0137] In a possible implementation, the first device obtains the second information from the candidate device. For example, the first request message can also be used to request the second information from the candidate device.

[0138] For example, the first request message can be a resource state request message, and the candidate device feeds back resource state information to the first device according to the resource state request message, where the resource state information includes the first information and / or the second information. Alternatively, the first request message can be a data collection request message, and the candidate device feeds back data collection information to the first device according to the data collection request message, where the data collection information includes the first information and / or the second information.

[0139] 420. The first device determines the second device from the at least two candidate devices according to the first information.

[0140] When determining the load transfer strategy, the first device can determine the second device by taking the new energy usage of the at least two candidate devices as a determining factor.

[0141] In a possible implementation, the first device can determine the second device according to the first information and the second information.

[0142] For example, the first device determines the second device according to the first information when the second device meets the communication requirement according to the second information.

[0143] For example, the at least two candidate devices include three access network devices. When the first device determines, according to the second information of the three access network devices, that the capacities of the three access network devices can all meet the communication requirement, the first device can further determine, according to the new energy-related parameter information of the three access network devices, the access network device with the highest new energy usage ratio as the second device.

[0144] For another example, the at least two candidate devices include three access network devices, and only one of the access network devices is powered by new energy. When the first device determines, according to the second information of the three access network devices, that the capacities of the three access network devices can all meet the communication requirement, the first device can further select the access network device powered by new energy as the second device.

[0145] In an optional implementation, the first device determines priority information, which is used to describe priorities of the resource-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices and the new energy-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices; and the first device determines the second device based on the priority information.

[0146] It can be understood that when the first device determines the second device, the first device can comprehensively consider the at least two parts of information, i.e., the resource-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices and the new energy-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices. In different application scenarios, communication scenarios have different requirements on communication performance. Therefore, the second device that meets the current communication requirement can be determined based on the priorities of specific resource-related parameters and specific new energy-related parameters.

[0147] For example, the priority information indicates that the priority order of the two parts of parameters is: capacity, new energy usage, and number of active UEs. The first device can preferentially select a device with large capacity from the at least two candidate devices. When the capacities are close, the first device can preferentially select a device powered by new energy, and so on.

[0148] The above priority information is only an example and specific parameters and priority orders can also be defined according to actual requirements. The embodiments of the present application are not limited in this regard.

[0149] In an optional implementation, the first device can receive the priority information from a network management unit.

[0150] For example, the first strategy includes the priority information.

[0151] In a possible implementation, the first device determines whether to trigger load transfer according to a load condition.

[0152] In another possible implementation, the first device triggers load transfer based on an indication of another device. For example, a network management unit can instruct the first device to perform load transfer.

[0153] In another possible implementation, the first device determines that the new energy-related parameter information of the first device does not meet a first threshold condition, and the first device initiates load transfer.

[0154] The first threshold condition is used to describe a threshold of a specific parameter related to new energy. If the threshold is not met, load transfer can be triggered.

[0155] For example, the first threshold condition is a carbon emission threshold N. When the first device determines that the carbon emission of the first device is equal to or greater than the threshold N, the first device can trigger load transfer.

[0156] For example, the first threshold condition is a new energy supply amount M, and when the first device determines that the new energy supply amount of the first device is equal to or less than the threshold M, the first device can trigger load transfer.

[0157] The above first threshold condition is only an example, and specific parameters and threshold values can be defined according to actual needs. The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0158] It should be understood that "triggering load transfer" in the above description can be understood as the first device starting to perform candidate device determination, and then the load can be transferred to the candidate device. It can also be replaced by similar terms such as "starting load transfer", and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the first device can receive the first threshold condition from the network management unit and / or the new energy management unit.

[0160] For example, the first strategy can include the first threshold condition.

[0161] In an optional implementation, the first device sends a second request message, which is used to request verification of whether the network performance condition is met when the load of the first device is transferred to the second device.

[0162] In an optional understanding, the first device can verify in advance whether the load transfer strategy can meet the network performance condition.

[0163] For example, the first device sends a second request message to the NDT, which is used to request the NDT to verify in advance whether the load transfer strategy is feasible.

[0164] For example, the second request message can include at least one of the following: information of the first device, information of the second device, load transfer amount, and to-be-verified parameter information.

[0165] For example, the information of the first device can include at least one of the following: an identifier of the first device, a current load amount of the first device, etc.; the information of the second device can include at least one of the following: an identifier of the second device, a current load amount of the second device, etc.; the load transfer amount can include at least one of the following: a to-be-transferred load amount, such as a number of UEs, an identifier of a to-be-switched UE, etc. The to-be-verified parameter information refers to network performance indicators that need to be investigated after the NDT verifies the load transfer scheme, such as carbon emission, carbon efficiency, rate, latency, throughput, etc.

[0166] It can be understood that the NDT verifies the load transfer strategy, which can be executed through a mirror copy of the communication network, and measures the network performance during and after execution, so as to determine whether the network performance requirement is met and whether the load transfer scheme is feasible.

[0167] Optionally, the NDT can return a verification result indicating whether the first device can use the load transfer strategy.

[0168] Optionally, the method can further include step 430.

[0169] 430, the first device transfers the load to the second device.

[0170] In one possible implementation, after determining the second device according to the first information, the first device can transfer the load to the second device.

[0171] In another possible implementation, after determining the second device, the first device can verify the load transfer strategy through the NDT, and after receiving an indication that the verification is feasible from the NDT, the first device can transfer the load to the second device.

[0172] Based on the above technical solutions, when determining the load transfer strategy, the first device can obtain the related parameters of the new energy of the candidate device, so that the target device that meets the network performance and is low-carbon and environmentally friendly can be determined based on the related parameters of the new energy for load transfer. Optionally, the first device can determine the target device based on the related parameters of the new energy and the priority of the resource-related parameters, so as to maximize the use of new energy under the premise of meeting the communication requirements; optionally, the first device can also determine whether to trigger load transfer based on the threshold condition of new energy use, which is conducive to maximizing the use of new energy.

[0173] The following describes specific embodiment examples of the present application.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 5, as an example, FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided by an embodiment of the present application. For ease of description, the method 500 is exemplarily described by taking the interaction of an execution subject, an access network device #1, and access network devices #2-#n as an example. It can be understood that the execution subject of the method 500 can also be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) of the access network device, which is not limited herein. The following description of the steps performed by a single execution subject can also be divided into steps performed by multiple execution subjects, which can be logically and / or physically separated.

[0175] Exemplarily, the network management unit can be a RAN single-domain management system or a cross-domain management module. Embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0176] It can be understood that the access network devices #2-#n can include multiple access network devices, and n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3, for example, access network device #2, access network device #3, access network device #4, …, access network device #n, etc.

[0177] 510, the network management unit sends indication information #1 to the access network device #1.

[0178] The indication information #1 comprises a policy #1, which is used to instruct the access network device #1 to determine a target device for load transfer based on the new energy usage.

[0179] Optionally, the indication information #1 can further comprise a threshold condition. The threshold condition is used to instruct the condition for the access network device #1 to trigger load transfer. The threshold condition can be referred to the first threshold condition in step 420, and is not described herein.

[0180] Optionally, the threshold condition can be separately instructed by the network management unit and / or the energy management unit.

[0181] Optionally, the indication information #1 can further comprise priority information of the information #1 and the information #2. The priority information is used to describe the priority of the resource-related parameter information of the access network device #2 to the access network device #n and the new energy-related parameter information of the access network device #2 to the access network device #n. The priority information can be referred to step 420, and is not described herein.

[0182] Optionally, the priority information can be separately instructed by the network management unit.

[0183] This step is an optional step.

[0184] For example, the access network device #1 can predefine or preconfigure the policy #1.

[0185] For example, the access network device #1 can obtain the policy #1 from the energy management unit.

[0186] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific way of determining the policy #1.

[0187] 520, the access network device #1 and / or the access network device #2 to the access network device #n can subscribe to the information #1 and the information #3 from the network management unit.

[0188] The information #1 is the new energy-related parameter information of the access network device #2 to the access network device #n, and the information #3 is the new energy-related parameter information of the access network device #1.

[0189] The new energy-related parameter information can be referred to step 410, and is not described herein.

[0190] This step is an optional step.

[0191] For example, the access network device #1 and the access network device #2 to the access network device #n can obtain the respective new energy-related parameter information from the energy management unit.

[0192] 530, the access network device #1 determines to trigger load transfer.

[0193] The access network device #1 determines to trigger load transfer, and the access network device #1 starts to determine a load transfer strategy.

[0194] For example, the access network device #1 determines that the current load is too heavy, and can trigger load transfer.

[0195] For example, the access network device #1 determines that the threshold condition is not met according to the information #3, and can trigger load transfer.

[0196] For example, the access network device #1 can trigger load transfer according to the network management unit.

[0197] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the conditions for the access network device #1 to trigger load transfer.

[0198] Optionally, in this step, the access network device #1 can also determine the information collection decision before load transfer.

[0199] For example, the access network device #1 can realize information collection before load transfer based on self-organizing network (SON). In this way, the access network device #1 can obtain information related to the resource state of the access network device #2 to the access network device #n. For example, capacity information, RRC connection number, active UE number, resource usage information, etc.

[0200] For example, the access network device #1 can realize information collection before load transfer based on AI / ML. In this way, the access network device #1 can obtain data information of the access network device #2 to the access network device #n. For example, non-predictive resource state information, UE performance feedback, energy cost level, etc.

[0201] 540, the access network device #1 sends a request message #1 to the access network device #2 to the access network device #n.

[0202] The access network device #1 can send the request message #1 to the access network device #2 to the access network device #n respectively. The request message #1 is used to request information #1 from each access network device.

[0203] For example, the request message #1 can be a resource state request message.

[0204] For example, the request message #1 can be a data request message.

[0205] 550, the access network device #1 receives the feedback message #1 sent by the access network device #2 to the access network device #n.

[0206] The feedback message #1 can include the information #1 and information #2.

[0207] The information #2 is used to indicate resource-related parameter information of the access network device #2 to the access network device #n.

[0208] The resource-related parameter information can include the resource state-related information and / or data information.

[0209] The request message #1 is a resource state request message, and the feedback message #1 can include the information #1 and resource state-related information.

[0210] The request message #1 is a data request message, and the feedback message #1 can include the information #1 and data information.

[0211] 560, the access network device #1 determines the access network device #3 according to the information #1.

[0212] The access network device #1 determines the access network device #3 according to the information #1 and the information #2.

[0213] The access network device #1 can determine the access network device #3 according to the information #1 when the information #2 indicates that the communication requirement is met.

[0214] For example, the access network device #2 to the access network device #n includes three access network devices (the access network device #3, the access network device #4, and the access network device #5), and the access network device #1 can further determine the access network device with the highest new energy usage ratio as the target access network device according to the information #1 of the three access network devices when the information #2 of the three access network devices indicates that the capacities of the three access network devices can all meet the communication requirement, for example, the access network device #3.

[0215] Optionally, the access network device #1 determines the target access network device according to priority information of the information #1 and the information #2.

[0216] It can be understood that the access network device #1 determines the target access network device according to the priority of the resource-related parameter information of the access network device #2 to the access network device #n and the new energy-related parameter information of the access network device #2 to the access network device #n.

[0217] The priority information indicates that the priority order of the two parts of parameters is: capacity, new energy usage, and active UE number. The access network device #1 can preferentially select a base station with a large capacity in the access network device #2 to the access network device #n, and when the capacity is close, the access network device #1 can preferentially select a device with a large new energy usage, and so on.

[0218] For example, the access network device #1 determines the target access network device as the access network device #3.

[0219] Optionally, the access network device #1 can verify in advance whether the load transfer strategy can meet the network performance condition.

[0220] Optionally, the method can further include steps 561-563.

[0221] 561. The access network device #1 sends a request message #2 to the NDT.

[0222] The request message #2 is used to request verification of whether the network performance condition is met when the load of the access network device #1 is transferred to the access network device #3.

[0223] For example, the request message #2 can include at least one of the following: information of the access network device #1, information of the access network device #3, load transfer amount, and to-be-verified parameter information.

[0224] The specific information can refer to step 420 and will not be described here.

[0225] 562. The NDT verifies the load transfer strategy.

[0226] The NDT verifies the load transfer strategy, which can be executed through a mirror copy of the communication network, and measures the network performance during and after the execution, so as to determine whether the network performance requirement is met and whether the load transfer scheme is feasible.

[0227] 563. The NDT sends a verification result to the access network device #1.

[0228] Optionally, the NDT can return the verification result to indicate whether the access network device #1 can use the load transfer strategy.

[0229] Optionally, the method can further include step 570.

[0230] 570. The access network device #1 and the access network devices #2-#n execute the load transfer.

[0231] In one possible implementation, after the access network device #1 determines the access network device #3 according to the information #1, the load can be transferred to the access network device #3.

[0232] In another possible implementation, after the access network device #1 determines the access network device #3, the load transfer strategy is verified through the NDT, and after receiving the feedback of the NDT indicating that the verification is feasible, the load can be transferred to the access network device #3.

[0233] Based on the technical solution, the access network device can obtain the related parameters of the new energy of the candidate device when determining the load transfer strategy, so as to determine the target device that meets the network performance and is low-carbon and environmentally friendly based on the related parameters of the new energy.

[0234] The following introduces an embodiment example of the ORAN architecture side of the present application.

[0235] Referring to FIG. 6, as an example, FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Under the ORAN architecture, the execution subject of the method 600 can be an O-CU1 and at least two O-CU2s. The network management unit can be a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller or a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller.

[0236] The specific steps 610-670 of the method 600 are the same as the steps 510-570 of the method 500, only the difference is the execution subject, which will not be described here.

[0237] Referring to FIG. 7, as an example, FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Under the ORAN architecture, the execution subject of the method 700 can be a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller 1 and at least two near-real-time RAN intelligent controllers 2. The network management unit can be a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller.

[0238] The specific steps 710-770 of the method 700 are the same as the steps 510-570 of the method 500, only the difference is the execution subject, which will not be described here.

[0239] It should be understood that other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application are similar to the above-described methods 400-700, and can refer to the description in the methods 400-700, which will not be described here.

[0240] It should be understood that the size of the serial number of each process described above does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0241] The above describes the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application mainly from the perspective of interaction between network elements. It can be understood that each network element, such as a transmitting end device or a receiving end device, includes a hardware structure and / or a software module for performing each function in order to implement the above functions. Those skilled in the art should understand that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is implemented in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0242] The embodiments of the present application can divide the function modules of the transmitting end device or the receiving end device according to the above method examples. For example, each function module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software function module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. Actual implementation can have another division manner. The following takes dividing each function module according to each function as an example for description.

[0243] The above describes the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application mainly from the perspective of interaction between network elements. It can be understood that each network element, such as a transmitting end device or a receiving end device, includes a hardware structure and / or a software module for performing each function in order to implement the above functions. Those skilled in the art should understand that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is implemented in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0244] FIG. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0245] The device 800 includes a transceiver unit 810 and a processing unit 820, wherein the transceiver unit 810 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 820 can be used for data processing.

[0246] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit, including a sending unit and / or a receiving unit. The transceiver unit 810 can be a transceiver (including a transmitter and / or a receiver), an input / output interface (including an input and / or an output interface), a pin or a circuit, etc. The transceiver unit 810 can be used to perform the steps of sending and / or receiving in the above method embodiments.

[0247] Optionally, the processing unit 820 can be a processor (which can include one or more), a processing circuitry with processor functions, etc., which can be configured to perform the steps of the above-described method embodiments other than the sending and receiving.

[0248] Optionally, the apparatus 800 further includes a storage unit, which can be a memory, an internal storage unit (e.g., a register, a cache, etc.), an external storage unit (e.g., a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.), etc. The storage unit is configured to store instructions, which the processing unit 820 executes to cause the communication apparatus to perform the above-described methods.

[0249] In one design, the apparatus 800 can be configured to perform the actions of the first device of each of the above-described method embodiments, e.g., the apparatus 800 can be configured to perform the actions of the access network device #1 of the above-described method 500. In this case, the apparatus 800 can be a component of the access network device #1, the transceiver unit 810 can be configured to perform the transceiver-related operations of the access network device #1 of the above-described method embodiments, and the processing unit 820 can be configured to perform the processing-related operations of the access network device #1 of the above-described method embodiments.

[0250] For example, the transceiver unit 810 can be configured to obtain first information of at least two candidate devices, the first information being configured to indicate new energy related parameter information of the candidate devices; and the processing unit 820 can be configured to determine a second device from the at least two candidate devices based on the first information, the second device being configured to transfer load of the first device.

[0251] For another example, the processing unit 820 can be further configured to determine a first policy, the first policy being configured to indicate that the first device determines a device for transferring load based on new energy usage of the at least two candidate devices.

[0252] For another example, the transceiver unit 810 can be further configured to receive the first policy from a network management unit and / or an energy management unit.

[0253] For another example, the transceiver unit 810 can be further configured to obtain second information of the at least two candidate devices, the second information being configured to indicate resource related parameter information of the candidate devices, and the processing unit 820 can be further configured to determine the second device based on the first information and the second information.

[0254] For another example, the transceiver unit 810 can be further configured to send a first request message, the first request message being configured to request the first information and / or the second information from the at least two candidate devices.

[0255] For another example, the processing unit 820 is further configured to determine priority information, the priority information being used to describe a priority of the resource-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices and the new energy-related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices; and the processing unit 820 is further configured to determine the second device based on the priority information.

[0256] For another example, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive the priority information from the network management unit.

[0257] For another example, the processing unit 820 is further configured to determine that the new energy-related parameter information of the first device does not satisfy a first threshold condition.

[0258] For another example, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive the first threshold condition from the network management unit and / or the energy management unit.

[0259] For another example, the transceiver 810 is further configured to send a second request message, the second request message being used to request verification of whether a network performance condition is satisfied when the load of the first device is transferred to the second device.

[0260] It should be understood that the transceiver 810 and the processing unit 820 can also perform other operations performed by the terminal device in the above method 300, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] In one design, the apparatus 800 can be configured to perform actions performed by the at least two candidate devices in the various method embodiments above, e.g., the apparatus 800 can be configured to perform actions performed by the access network device #2 in the method 300 above. In this case, the apparatus 800 can be a component of the access network device #2, the transceiver 810 can be configured to perform transceiver-related operations performed by the access network device #2 in the method embodiments above, and the processing unit 820 can be configured to perform processing-related operations performed by the access network device #2 in the method embodiments above.

[0262] For example, the processing unit 820 is configured to determine first information, the first information being used to indicate the new energy-related parameter information of the candidate device; and the transceiver 810 is configured to send the first information to the first device.

[0263] For another example, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive the first information from the network management unit and / or the energy management unit.

[0264] For another example, the transceiver 810 is further configured to receive a first request message; and the processing unit 820 is further configured to send the first information and / or second information to the first device according to the first request message, the second information being used to indicate the resource-related parameter information of the candidate device.

[0265] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 810 and the processing unit 820 can also perform other operations performed by the access network device #2 in the method 300 described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0266] It should also be understood that the apparatus 800 here embodies in the form of functional units. The term "unit" here can refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combination of logical circuit and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art can understand that the apparatus 800 can be embodied as the network device in the above-described embodiments, and can be used to perform the processes and / or steps corresponding to the network device in the above-described method embodiments. To avoid repetition, details will not be repeated here.

[0267] The apparatus 800 of each of the above-described schemes has a function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device in the above-described methods, or the apparatus 800 of each of the above-described schemes has a function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the access network device in the above-described methods. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units such as the processing unit can be replaced by a processor, which respectively performs the transceiving operations and related processing operations in each of the method embodiments.

[0268] In addition, the above-described transceiver unit 810 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, which can include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit.

[0269] It should be noted that the apparatus in FIG. 8 can be a network element or device in the foregoing embodiments, or can be a chip or chip system, for example, a system on chip (SoC). The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit, a communication interface; and the processing unit can be a processor or microprocessor integrated on the chip or an integrated circuit. Here, no limitation is made.

[0270] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus 900 shown in FIG. 9 includes a processor 910 and a transceiver 920. Optionally, the processor 910 and the transceiver 920 can be connected to each other through a bus 930. The communication apparatus 900 can be a terminal device or a network device.

[0271] Optionally, the communication device 900 can further include a memory 940. The memory 940 can include, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM). The memory 940 can be used to store relevant instructions and data.

[0272] The processor 910 is coupled to the memory 940 for executing instructions stored in the memory 940 to control the reception and / or transmission of the communications signals by the transceiver 920.

[0273] It is understood that the processor 910 and the memory 940 can be combined into one processing arrangement, and the processor 910 is configured to execute program codes stored in the memory 940 to implement the above-described functions. The memory 940 can be integrated in the processor 910 or independent of the processor 910. It is understood that the processor 910 can also correspond to the various processing units in the above communication device, and the transceiver 920 can correspond to the various receiving units and transmitting units in the above communication device.

[0274] It is further understood that the transceiver 920 can include a receiver (or referred to as a receiver) and a transmitter (or referred to as a transmitter). The transceiver can further include an antenna, and the number of the antenna can be one or more. The transceiver can also be a communication interface or an interface circuit.

[0275] In particular, the communication device 900 can correspond to the network management unit in the method 500 according to the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 900 can include the units of the method performed by the network management unit in the method 500. It is understood that the specific procedures for the units to perform the corresponding steps have been described in the above method embodiments, and thus will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0276] In particular, the communication device 900 can correspond to the access network device in the method 500 according to the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 900 can include the units of the method performed by the access network device in the method 500. It is understood that the specific procedures for the units to perform the corresponding steps have been described in the above method embodiments, and thus will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0277] When the communication device 900 is a chip, the chip includes an interface unit and a processing unit. The interface unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; and the processing unit can be a processor or a microprocessor integrated on the chip or an integrated circuit.

[0278] In the implementation process, the steps of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor or the instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware processor execution completion, or executed by the combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0279] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capability. In the implementation process, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor or the instructions in the form of software. The above processor can be a general processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component. The disclosed methods, steps and logic block diagrams in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware decoding processor execution completion, or executed by the combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0280] The present application also provides a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being executed by a computer to implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0281] The present application also provides a computer program product, which is executed by a computer to implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0282] In the embodiments described above, all or some of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or some of the embodiments can be implemented by one or more computer programs, and can be stored in one or more computer readable storage media. When implemented by software, all or some of the embodiments can be implemented by one or more computer programs, and can be stored in one or more computer readable storage media. The computer readable storage media can be a magnetic disk, a floppy disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, or any other suitable computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage media can be fixed in place or can be removable and / or transportable. The computer readable storage media can be loaded into one or more computers, servers, or other programmable devices to cause the one or more computers, servers, or other programmable devices to execute the computer program instructions.

[0283] In the embodiments of the present application, the words "example" and "exemplary" are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described as "example" or "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Rather, use of the terms is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0284] It is to be understood that the terminology "example" used throughout this specification intends that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic in some embodiments is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, various embodiments as described throughout the specification are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Moreover, such particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0285] It should be understood that the magnitude of the serial number of each process described above does not mean the order of execution in various embodiments of the present application, and the execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. The names of all nodes and messages in the present application are only names set by the present application for convenience of description, and the names in the actual network can be different, and the present application should not be understood as limiting the names of various nodes and messages, on the contrary, any name with the same or similar function as the nodes or messages used in the present application is regarded as a method or equivalent replacement of the present application, and is within the protection scope of the present application.

[0286] It should also be understood that in the present application, "when", "if" and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing of the UE or the base station under certain objective circumstances, not the time limit, and it is not required that the UE or the base station must have a judgment action when implementing, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0287] In addition, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this paper. The term "and / or" in this paper is only a description of the association relationship between the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist together, B exists alone, and the three cases.

[0288] The term "at least one" or "at least one" in this paper means all or any combination of the listed items, for example, "at least one of A, B and C" can mean: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist together, B and C exist together, A, B and C exist together. This paper means one or more. "Multiple" means two or more.

[0289] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the terms "include", "contain", "have" and their variants mean "include but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0290] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the first, second and various numerical numbers are only distinguished for convenience of description, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. For example, to distinguish different information, etc.

[0291] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0292] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-described device embodiments are only schematic, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0294] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separated, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0295] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0296] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application essentially or the parts that contribute to the prior art or parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0297] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: The first device obtains first information of at least two candidate devices, the first information being used to indicate new energy related parameter information of the candidate devices; The first device determines a second device from the at least two candidate devices according to the first information, the second device being used to transfer a load of the first device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: The first device determines a first strategy, the first strategy being used to indicate that the first device determines a device used to transfer a load based on new energy usage of the at least two candidate devices.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first device determines a first strategy, comprising: The first device receives the first strategy from a network management unit and / or an energy management unit.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first device determines a second device from the at least two candidate devices according to the first information, comprising: The first device obtains second information of the at least two candidate devices, the second information being used to indicate resource related parameter information of the candidate devices; The first device determines the second device according to the first information and the second information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first device sends a first request message to the at least two candidate devices, the first request message being used to request the first information and / or the second information from the at least two candidate devices.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first device determines a second device according to the first information and the second information, comprising: The first device determines priority information, the priority information being used to describe priority of resource related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices and new energy related parameter information of the at least two candidate devices; The first device determines the second device based on the priority information.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first device determines priority information, comprising: The first device receives the priority information from the network management unit.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first strategy comprises the priority information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Before the first device determines the second device according to the first information and the second information, the method further comprises: The first device determines that new energy related parameter information of the first device does not satisfy a first threshold condition.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: The first device receives the first threshold condition from the network management unit and / or the energy management unit.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first strategy comprises the first threshold condition.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first device sends a second request message, the second request message being used to request verification of whether a network performance condition is satisfied when a load of the first device is transferred to the second device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The second request message comprises at least one of the following: information of the first device, information of the second device, load transfer amount, to-be-verified parameter information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first device obtains new energy related parameter information of the first device.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The resource related parameter information comprises at least one of the following: capacity, RRC connection number, active UE number, resource usage information, and predicted data information of resources.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The parameters related to new energy include at least one of the following: Parameters for the proportion of new energy sources, usage of new energy sources, supply of new energy sources, carbon emissions, carbon intensity, carbon efficiency, and new energy source rating.

17. A method of communication, comprising: include: Candidate device determination first information, the first information being used to indicate new energy-related parameter information of the candidate device; The candidate device sends the first information to the first device; The first information is used by the first device to determine the second device, and the second device is used to transfer the load of the first device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further includes: The candidate device receives the first information from the network management unit and / or the energy management unit.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a first request message; send the first information and / or the second information to the first device according to the first request message, wherein the second information is used to indicate the resource-related parameter information of the candidate device.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The resource-related parameter information includes at least one of the following: Capacity information, RRC connection count, active UE count, resource usage information, and predictive analysis data of resources.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that, The parameters related to new energy include at least one of the following: New energy source proportion parameters, carbon emission parameters, carbon efficiency, and new energy source level parameters.

22. A communications device, characterized by Includes modules or units for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 16 or claims 17 to 21.

23. A communications device, characterized by Includes a processor for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 16 or claims 17 to 21.

24. A chip, characterized by The device includes at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program from the memory to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 16 or claims 17 to 21.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 or 17 to 21.

26. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 or claims 17 to 21.

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